O'Neill keen to keep Berger

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has sung Patrik Berger's praises after confirming that he will be offering the former Liverpool star a new deal.

The 33-year-old ex-Czech Republic international has endured two injury-ravaged seasons at Villa Park since his transfer from Portsmouth, but O'Neill believes the midfielder can have a positive impact on the rest of the squad.

"There's not too many players outside of the top teams at this minute who have Patrik's vision," the former Celtic boss told Villa's official website.

"I'll definitely be offering something to him. He's done brilliantly - really great. He didn't start on Saturday but I wouldn't read too much into that.

"If he can remain fit for a year - and that's the big thing - then I think he'd be able to make the same contribution as he has since January.

"He's given us that bit of composure which was what we needed at that stage because things were getting a bit frantic."

Berger has started only seven games for the club and spent a period on loan at Stoke City earlier this term.